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Save the date for NRI relatives: how to send
Send a save the date to relatives abroad six to nine months before the wedding, because they need to book flights and leave and the wedding season's fares rise early. Send it on WhatsApp with the country code saved correctly, give the date, the city and the nearest airport, and say the invitation with full details will follow. Ask them to reply so you know it reached them.
Why NRI relatives need it earlier
Relatives in the US, UK, Canada, the Gulf or Australia have to plan around leave policies, school terms and flights that fill up in the November to February season. Three months' notice, which works for guests in India, is often too short for them. Six to nine months gives them time to book before prices climb.
What should the save the date say for family abroad?
- The couple's names, the date and the city, as always.
- The nearest airport, if the wedding is in a smaller town.
- The dates they should plan to be there for, if the functions span several days.
- That a full invitation will follow with venues and timings.
- Who to contact for travel or stay questions.
Making sure it reaches them
- Check the number has the right country code. A UK number saved without +44 won't receive anything.
- Send it to the person who reads WhatsApp, which in some families is the younger generation rather than the elder you're inviting.
- Ask for a quick reply. Silence from abroad often means the message went to an old number.
- If they've changed numbers, ask a cousin in the same city for the current one.
Language and format
Many NRI families read English most comfortably, and their children may not read Hindi or the family's regional script. A link that lets the guest switch language works for both generations. A video or a link opens on any phone without an app, so there's nothing to install abroad.
How ShaadiMode does it
On ShaadiMode you can make 2 save the dates free. On Plus (₹2,999) you can send a different save the date to each group, so relatives abroad can get their own with a different line about travel, and the 3D and animated films open with each family's name. The invitation can be set in 28 languages, including English and 10 world languages, and guests can switch.
A save the date message for family abroad
Dear Mama and Mami, Rohan and Ananya are getting married on 12 December 2026 in Jaipur (nearest airport: Jaipur, or Delhi and then a short flight or drive). The functions run from 10 to 12 December, so please plan to be with us for all three days. The full invitation will follow. Do let us know you've got this!
Things that help guests travelling from abroad
- Give the dates in full, with the month as a word. 12/10 means 12 October in India and December 10 in the US.
- Say how many days the functions run, so they can book leave once.
- Mention if you'll arrange rooms or pickups, so they know whether to book their own.
- Name one person to contact for travel questions, with their WhatsApp number.
- Send the full invitation eight to ten weeks before, with venues and timings, and confirm they've seen it.
Questions people also ask
What if my relatives abroad don't use WhatsApp?
Most do, but if not, send the same link by email or text message. A link-based save the date opens in any phone's browser.
Should I send the save the date to the whole family or one person?
To the person who will plan the trip, usually the one who books flights, with the whole family named in the message.
How early should I send a save the date to relatives abroad?
Six to nine months before the wedding, earlier than the three to six months common for guests in India.
Should NRI relatives get a separate save the date?
It helps. A version that mentions the nearest airport and the days to plan for answers the questions they'd otherwise message about.
Read next
A save the date for each group lets family abroad get their own version. See the save the dates
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